Wisconsin in 2020
Deaths 612Fatal crashes 559Per 100,000 10.4US deaths 39,007
FARS data are based on police crash reports and other sources; the drunk-driving measure is based on the highest BAC of any driver in the crash. Final FARS file for 2020.
In 2020, 612 people died in 559 fatal crashes in Wisconsin, 10.4 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.8 nationally.
The death toll rose 8% from 567 in 2019 to 612 in 2020.
Wisconsin accounted for 1.6% of the 39,007 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
34.9% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
By FHWA road function class, the largest share was on other principal arterial roads (29%).
31% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2019 and the nation
| Measure | Wisconsin 2020 | Wisconsin 2019 | United States 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 612 | 567 | 39,007 |
| Fatal crashes | 559 | 527 | 35,935 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 10.4 | 9.7 | 11.8 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 35% | 35% | 27% |
Counties in 2020
Every county with a fatal crash in 2020, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 72 counties listed.
Per 100,000 uses the 2024 population estimate for every year, so early-year rates are understated where a county has grown.
Hour of day
Weekday
Road type
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Wisconsin in 2020?
612 people in 559 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2020 file, or 10.4 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Wisconsin had the most crash deaths in 2020?
Milwaukee County with 100 deaths in 89 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2020 compare with 2019 in Wisconsin?
612 deaths against 567 in 2019 (+8%). Nationally the 2020 total was 39,007.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2020 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.